Sunday, December 4, 2016

Month-End TTM Roundup: 11/7-12/3

I'm starting to really like these monthly TTM posts as opposed to my weekly ones. So much easier to write.

Received On: 11/7/2016

My first return for this post's span of time comes from former top Yankees prospect Eric Milton.
Eric Milton was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1996 MLB Player Draft. Milton earned a number of accolades in the minors. According to Baseball America, Milton was the eight best Yankees prospect in 1997, the number one Yankees prospect in 1998 and the 25th best prospect in the minors in 1998. It was easy to see why thanks to Milton's four-seamer, slider, curveball and change up combination. The post-Jeter Yankees prospects have a notorious rep for being flameouts but (outside of Cano and Gardner) Milton probably came the closest to reaching his ceiling. Milton was traded in early 1998 to the Twins in the Chuck Knoblauch trade and was immediately brought up and asked to throw 172.1 innings in his rookie season. Different times man. Milton would enjoy some success in Minnesota as a starter and had his best season in 2001 when he was selected to the All Star Game and recorded a career high fWAR of 3.2.

Milton also threw a no-hitter in 1999 against the Angels. One that appears to be a no hitter against one of the worst lineups to ever be no hit ever. Still, that's more than what a lot of other Yankees pitching prospects ever did (*cough* Brien Taylor *cough*).

Received On: 11/15/2016

Next up is Toronto Blue Jays infielder-turned-outfielder Lane Thomas.
Lane Thomas was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 5th round of the 2014 MLB Player Draft. Thomas was originally drafted as an infielder who was seen as a diamond in the rough with lots of potential. Unfortunately 2015 proved to be a massive roadblock in Thomas' development, as he struggled in short season ball and A-Ball. 2016 was much of the same sans a shift from the infield to the outfield (primarily centerfield). There is still hope for the outfielder as his swing pre-draft was seen as one that could generate power and hit with consistency. Good luck Thomas.

Received On: 11/16/2016

Here's former Yankees slugger, Steve Balboni.
Steve Balboni was drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 1978 MLB Player Draft. "Bye Bye" Balboni spent a few years in the farm system before being promoted to the big leagues in 1981, during his time in the minors "Bones" Balboni primarily did two things. Hit dingers and strike out. Eventually he went to the Royals and left his mark on MLB history by being one of the best sluggers the Royals have ever had. His single season HR record of 36 dingers remains a franchise best for the Royals. And Balboni was also a key member of the 1985 World Series Championship Royals team. Bye Bye Bones also spent time with the Mariners and Rangers.

Received On: 11/18/2016

Next up is top Braves pitching prospect, Kolby Allard.
Kolby Allard was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 2015 MLB Player Draft. Allard is currently one of the best pitching prospects in the Braves farmsystem (and that's saying a lot since they have nothing but pitchers), thanks to the strength of his fastball and curveball. His changeup is still a work in progress but if it pans out, Allard could be a very nice number 2 or 3 starter.

Received On: 11/18/2016

Rockies infielder Brian Mundell.
Brian Mundell was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 7th round of the 2015 MLB Player Draft. The first baseman's key attribute is his power. In a joke ballpark like Coors Field he could probably hit dingers with ease. Originally a catcher as an amateur, the Rox have since tried Mundell out as a first baseman where he is still getting used to fielding and getting his footing in, but it's not like there's anybody in his way right now so hey, if he continues to hit (as he's done so far) he's got a great shot to make an impact in the big leagues.

Received On: 11/18/2016

Former major league infielder Greg Gagne, not the wrestler.
Greg Gagne was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 1979 MLB Player Draft. However like most Yankees farmhands at the time, Gagne was traded away (to the Twins). Gagne spent 10 of his 15 seasons with the Twins and he enjoyed a fair bit of success as the team's shortstop. Even winning two World Series rings with the club in 1987 and 1991. Gagne also played with the Royals and Dodgers before retiring.

Received On: 11/19/2016

Here is former big league pitcher, Ken Schrom.
Ken Schrom was originally drafted by the California Angels in the 17th round of the 1976 MLB Player Draft. The right hander was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays prior to his MLB debut and he went on to enjoy a seven year career that even had an All Star Game appearance on his resume. Schrom had a very solid career as a major league caliber starter but injuries unfortunately did his career in. He hung up the spikes for good after 1987. Schrom still remained active in baseball by being involved with several minor league teams in some capacity. Mr. Schrom is currently the president of the Corpus Christi Hooks (the double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros).

Schrom wrote this on the SASE sent back to me. And I appreciate these little gestures of kindness (like Schrom responding at all) whenever players choose to do these things. All of them.

Received On: 11/29/2016

A pleasant surprise from Royals first base prospect, Ryan O'Hearn.
Ryan O'Hearn was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB Player Draft. O'Hearn's raw power and hitting ability has earned him a spot atop several Royals prospect rankings. With an approach that primarily focuses on hitting dingers, striking out and walking, it's tempting to call O'Hearn's ceiling Adam Dunn. Which, wouldn't be a bad thing by any means. O'Hearn is a first baseman who can also play corner outfield spots if needed. Hmm, sounds like Adam Dunn too.

Received On: 12/1/2016

Here's an awesome return from Rays prospect Ryan Boldt.
Ryan Boldt was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the second round of the 2016 MLB Player Draft. Ryan Boldt has been on prospect radars since he was in high school but injuries pretty much ruined his draft stock and he opted for college. Boldt projects to be a steady contact hitter with some nice power. Defensively he's solid in the outfield with a good arm and good range.
One funny thing about Boldt is that Panini made a card for him as a Red Sock (Boston drafted him for the heck of it back in 2013) even though he didn't sign with them. I sent Boldt that Panini card and got the Hudson Valley card back instead.

Received On: 12/1/2016

Here's Oakland A's prospect Zack Erwin.
Zack Erwin was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the fourth round of the 2015 MLB Player Draft. He was traded not long afterwards to Oakland in the Brett Lawrie deal. Erwin came to the A's org as a high-floor prospect who could have potentially been a lefty fifth starter. Armed with a fastball, change up and curveball, Erwin's 2016 didn't go quite as well as many had hoped. But with his repertoire he could rebound in the future.